Knockout stages remain on schedule despite Virus concern
By Shane Brophy
After a hectic period of action, the way is set fair for the quarter finals of the Tipperary senior hurling Dan Breen, Seamus O Riain and Intermediate Hurling Championships, the draws for which have thrown up some mouth-watering ties.
In senior hurling, three are repeats of knockout stage games played in 2019 with Kiladangan squaring off against old-foes Toomevara while near neighbours Borris-Ileigh and Drom & Inch square off once again. Clonoulty/Rossmore and Loughmore/Castleiney played the game of the championship in last years preliminary quarter final with the West side emerging, after extra time.
On paper, Nenagh Eire Og appear to have drawn the short straw by being paired with favourites Thurles Sarsfields, however, Nenagh won't fear Sarsfields in the slightist and the underdogs tag will suit Eire Og who will still have to improve from their performances so far to progress to the semi-finals.
It won't suit Nenagh that the quarter final will be played on the pristine surface of Semple Stadium which has been confirmed as the venue for all four quarter finals which have been fixed for Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th August.
New Covid-19 restrictions, which are still in place until Monday 13th September mean that no spectators will be permitted to attend with only 40 people per team along with match officials and media will be at a venye. It means supporters will again have to rely on live-streaming to watch these exciting ties.
It promises to be a bumper two days of action with no fewer than eighteen knockout hurling games between championship quarter finals and relegation semi-finals.
Next weekend sees the final round of games in the senior and intermediate football championships, while is also sees the first set of divisional hurling finals with the North minor 'A' & 'B' finals taking place this Saturday.
There was concern locally that games could be in doubt in the near future following the Covid-19 cluster outbreak in Golden last week, would lead to a partial or complete lockdown in the county, however, Tipperary T.D. Alan Kelly has confirmed this week that re-imposing restrictions in the county is not on the agenda of the government and NEPHT at the moment.
Dan Breen Cup Quarter Finals
Saturday 29th August
Kiladangan v Toomevara in Semple Stadium @ 2.00pm
Thurles Sarsfields v Nenagh Eire Og in Semple Stadium @ 6.00pm
Sunday 30th August
Clonoulty/Rossmore v Loughmore/Castleiney in Semple Stadium @ 2.00pm
Borris-Ileigh v Drom & Inch in Semple Stadium @ 6.00pm
Dan Breen Cup Relegation Semi-Finals
Saturday 29th August
Eire Og Annacarty v Roscrea in Dolla @ 4.00pm
Moycarkey/Borris v Burgess in Templederry @ 4.00pm
Seamus O Riain Cup Quarter Finals
Saturday 29th August
Carrick Swan v Mullinahone in Clonmel Sportsfield @ 4.00pm
Sunday 30th August
Thurles Sarsfields v Killenaule in Cashel @ 12.00pm
Newport v Silvermines in Nenagh @ 2.00pm
Templederry Kenyons v Lorrha in Cloughjordan @ 2.00pm
Seamus O Riain Cup Relegation Semi-Finals
Sunday 30th August
Ballingarry v Kiladangan in Templetuohy @ 1.00pm
Sean Treacys v St Mary's in Cahir @ 1.00pm
Intermediate Hurling Championship Quarter Finals
Saturday 29th August
Gortnahoe/Glengoole v Ballinahinch in Borrisoleigh @ 1.30pm
Borrisokane v Boherlahan-Dualla at The Ragg @ 2.00pm
Sunday 30th August
Ballybacon/Grange v Knockavilla Kickhams in Bansha @ 2.30pm
Moyne-Templetuohy v Moneygall in Templemore @ 4.00pm
Intermediate Hurling Relegation Semi-Finals
Sunday 30th August
Cappawhite v Moyle Rovers in Boherlahan @ 2.00pm
Galtee Rovers v Golden Kilfeackle or Kilsheelan/Kilcash TBC